Cosmetic Dermatology

Hyperhidrosis is a condition many suffer with and our board-certified dermatologists are here to help treat this condition

Excessive sweating is a medical condition called hyperhidrosis. There are two different types, the first of which is a focal hyperhidrosis. It limits the sweating to one area of the body, such as the armpits, hands, face or feet. The second type of hyperhidrosis does not limit itself to one part of the body, but is present over any and all parts of the body.

Causes

Hyperhidrosis is normally an indicator or result of another disorder or condition in the body, but can be hereditary. This includes but is not limited to menopause, obesity and nerve disorders. Due to menopause, women are more likely to be diagnosed with hyperhidrosis. This condition is also found in children and young teens.

Symptoms

There are several symptoms of hyperhidrosis. A sign of excessive sweating would be visible sweat while a person is sedentary. If everyday activities are difficult due to sweat, the skin peels due to being damp with sweat too often, and skin infections are a constant problem, hyperhidrosis may be the cause.

Treatment

There are several treatments for hyperhidrosis that a doctor may suggest. The most common would be an antiperspirant, which is applied to the skin and blocks the sweat glands in an attempt to get the body to stop producing sweat. A doctor might also suggest iontophoresis or Botox injections. Medication may be prescribed or surgery may be considered in some cases.

Learn more about a common skin condition, eczema, and how our board-certified dermatologists can help you.

Eczema, sometimes referred to as atopic dermatitis, is condition of skin that leaves it dry and irritated, causing it to crack and sometimes bleed. 

Causes

While physicians are unsure of the exact cause of eczema, it is thought to be a combination of several factors:

• Genetics
• Immune dysfunction
• Environmental exposures, including:
  • Irritating soaps
  • Changes in weather

Children are more likely to have eczema; however, people can develop eczema at any age. Some children will grow out of it but it may return again in later years. Those with asthma, hay fever and certain allergies are more prone to eczema than others. Additionally, a family history of eczema or asthma and hay fever, can increase the risk of developing eczema to flare.

Symptoms

Eczema presents with dry, itching skin that can be red and cracked, or can occasionally be bumpy. Severe forms of eczema can cause fluid to come out from the cracks left in the skin. If left untreated, these cracks can allow bacteria and viruses to penetrate the skin and lead to a more serious infection.

Treatment

Eczema cannot be cured, but needs to be managed chronically. Occasionally, changes to the patient’s skin care routine are all that is needed to maintain clear skin. Flares and poorly controlled eczema can be treated with medicated ointments or creams. Antibiotics may be necessary if there is concern for infection. Similarly, bleach baths or vinegar water soaks may be used to prevent infections. 

As fragrances, dyes and other chemicals can exacerbate eczema, it is important to use fragrance free and sensitive skin self-care and laundry products. Avoid alcohol based products, including aerosol and waterless hand sanitizers, as alcohol is very drying for the skin. Antihistamines taken routinely can decrease the itch associated with eczema and are particularly helpful in patients with associated hay fever and seasonal allergies.

Because eczema cannot be cured, a patient will always have the tendency for flares of the skin. And while hereditary eczema cannot be prevented, the frequency and severity of the flares can be managed with good skin care and avoidance of irritants.

An uneven skin tone, called hyperpigmentation, is irregular darkening of the skin.

The cause of uneven skin tone is the overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color. The resulting dark patches and spots are typically perceived as “aged skin.”

There are several factor that can lead to uneven skin tone. A few of them are:

Sun exposure: Brown spots and uneven skin tone develop as a result of too much melanin being produced to help protect your skin from UV light.

Pollution: Particles and gasses from traffic-related air pollution are able to penetrate the skin and lead to formation of brown spots, particularly on the face.

Finally we have a treatment that can really make a difference with your stretch marks

A stretch mark is a type of scar that develops when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly. The abrupt change causes the collagen and elastin, which support our skin, to rupture. As the skin heals, stretch marks may appear.

Not everyone develops these narrow bands on their skin. Fluctuating hormone levels seem to play a role. You may also have a higher risk if people in your family get stretch marks.